With its unique blend of golden beaches, unmistakable skyline, and natural corners that reveal the Costa Blanca in all its splendour, Benidorm is a perfect destination for photographers. Whether you’re a professional with years of experience or an amateur photographer, Benidorm offers a great diversity of scenery ranging from coastal landscapes to vibrant and contrasting urban architecture. Below, we guide you through the most photogenic locations and the ideal times of day to capture this city from your own perspective.
Benidorm for photographers, where to start?
Sunrises on Levante Beach
Levante Beach is one of Benidorm’s most popular and photogenic spots, especially at sunrise. With the first ray of sunshine peeking over the horizon, the sky is tinged with warm tones that bathe the sea and sand in a magical light. If you stand close to the rocks, you can take advantage of the reflections and capture the texture of the water in combination with the silhouette of the buildings that make up the Benidorm skyline.
This location is ideal for long exposure photography at sunrise, capturing the softness of the water and the colours of the sky that can only be seen at this time of day. For a different perspective, head up to the Paseo de Levante and play with the framing, including the sea and the beach which, at this time of day, are usually practically empty.
Mirador de la Cruz: panoramic views of the Skyline
One of the most iconic spots in Benidorm is the Mirador de la Cruz, an elevated spot from where you can get a panoramic view of the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea. This viewpoint, which sits at the top of the Sierra Helada mountain range, is the perfect place to capture the contrast between nature and the skyscrapers that form the coastline.
Visit at sunset to take advantage of the golden light and capture a dramatic perspective of the Benidorm skyline against the sea. From here, you can play with different angles and focuses, capturing both the skyline and the vibrant cityscape. Take a telephoto lens if you want to get close to the details of the buildings, or a wide-angle lens to take wide shots of the whole bay.
Old Town: Mediterranean charm around every corner
Benidorm’s old town, also known as the ‘Balcony of the Mediterranean’, is a place where Mediterranean charm is present in every corner. Here you’ll find cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and colourful windows with floral details that add an authentic and picturesque aesthetic. It is an ideal place for street and portrait photography, taking advantage of the natural light that enters through the narrow streets.
This area is especially photogenic during the afternoon, when the sun begins to lower and the shadows lengthen, providing a nostalgic atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, located on a hill from where you can get a spectacular view of the city and the sea from above.
Benidorm Island: A paradise for landscape photography
The small island of Benidorm, which can be seen from the coast, is a favourite destination for landscape photographers. You can get there by boat from Benidorm harbour, and along the way you’ll have the opportunity to capture unique photos of the town from the water.
The island itself offers rocky and natural landscapes and is an excellent place for wildlife photography as it is home to several species of seabirds. From the island, you get unparalleled views of the coastline and the Benidorm skyline from a different perspective. The afternoon light is ideal for photographing the details of the rocks and the contrast with the blue of the sea, while at sunset, you’ll be able to capture photos back at the harbour in the soft, warm light.
Sierra Helada Natural Park: Photographic adventures in nature
If you love nature photography, the Sierra Helada Natural Park is a must-see destination in Benidorm. This park is home to towering cliffs and trails that offer panoramic views of the sea and the city. It’s a perfect place for hiking and capturing natural scenes and sea views.
To make the most of this environment, I recommend you go at sunrise or sunset. The soft light enhances the textures of the rocks and gives a dramatic look to the landscape. There are also high vantage points in the park from which you can capture stunning images of Benidorm and its natural surroundings. Bring a tripod for long exposures and experiment with capturing the movement of the sea.
Villajoyosa and Altea: Two photogenic gems just a few kilometres away
Benidorm also offers easy access to two towns that are photographic gems in their own right: Villajoyosa and Altea. Villajoyosa, known for its brightly coloured houses lining the beach, is ideal for capturing vibrant and cheerful scenes. Its facades painted in shades of blue, yellow and pink add a picturesque touch to any shot. Strolling through its streets, you can capture genuine moments of everyday life in colourful surroundings.
Altea, on the other hand, is famous for its old town with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, ideal for architectural and street photography. The views from the upper part of the town are especially attractive at sunset, when the sea and sky are tinged with warm tones.
Practical tips for photography in Benidorm
To get the most out of your photography experience in Benidorm, here are some practical tips:
- Take an ND filter: For beaches and viewpoints, a neutral density filter will help you take long exposures and capture the movement of the water with spectacular smoothness.
- Use a telephoto lens to capture the skyline: If you want to highlight the buildings and capture the urban essence of Benidorm, a telephoto lens is your best ally.
- Be patient and wait for the perfect light: As in any destination, light is key. Sunrises and sunsets offer the best tones and contrasts, so plan your visits around these golden hours.
Benidorm: A complete photographic destination
Benidorm is more than just a sun and beach destination; it is a place that invites you to capture its landscapes, architecture and urban life from a unique perspective. The diversity of scenery and the variety of environments mean that every photographer will find something special. Whether you are looking for the contrast between nature and modernity, urban landscapes or Mediterranean corners, Benidorm has something for every lens.
